Ice Rips Out, Jams Docks Against Bridge

Ice ripped a huge section of boat docks from the shores of the Pend Oreille River this week and jammed them against a county bridge near Priest River.

Bonner County deputies and a marine boat helped remove the dock Thursday. Sheriff Chip Roos said he feared the more than 100-foot long dock, lodged across bridge pilings, could trap flowing ice and debris.

“If ice hangs up on this thing it will put pressure on the bridge and we don’t want to lose it,” Roos said.

The docks came from the Dock and Shop Country Store in Priest River. The owners tried to remove it with several boats but the current was too swift.

After several hours Thursday, a marine boat finally managed to move the dock and get it to shore. , DataTimes